KK Archdiocese hosts first virtual vocation seminar and retreat

The Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu held a virtual vocation Seminar and retreat for the first time in the Archdiocese’s history from Oct 29-31.

Nov 12, 2021

By Seminarian Sylvester Wong
The Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu held a virtual vocation Seminar and retreat for the first time in the Archdiocese’s history from Oct 29-31. It attracted 12 participants who responded from across the Archdiocese.

The three-day online programme was conducted in Bahasa. It began with a virtual Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Archbishop John Wong and concelebrated by Fr Mattheus Luta and Fr Isidore Gilbert. Frs Mattheus and Isidore, rectors of Initiation Year and Aspirant Formation respectively, were responsible for setting up the virtual programme.

The programme consisted of vocation sharing and promotion by seminarians in the year of Aspirancy and Initiation from College General Penang and St Peter’s College Kuching. Talks were given by both Fr Mattheus and Fr Isidore while group sharing was facilitated by the four seminarians (Lasius Gantis, Peter Chung, Sylvester Wong and Terans Thadeus) who are now doing their pastoral while awaiting their Diaconate ordination. Time was also allotted for adoration and prayer to help the participants pray and discern their calling.

Interaction with the participants was provided through group sharing and Q&A where they were given opportunities to ask questions about the call of the priesthood.

At the close of the event, Archbishop Wong encouraged the participants to be bold and courageous in responding to God’s call without delay.

The participants appreciated the efforts of the Archdiocese in initiating and organising the online vocation seminar and retreat amidst the pandemic. Many of them gained new insight and inspiration to help them discern their calling.

What participants say

The seminar sheds light on vocation calling through guidance, talks and sharings. To all youth out there, there’s no “too late” or “too early” in God’s vocabulary. You are the now of God. Muster up your courage and harden not your heart towards the call. ~ Ayprino Axell

Be realistic, be human, be who you are. Seminar dan retreat ini membawa saya satu norma hidup yang baru dan lebih berani. (The seminar and retreat has given me a way of life that is new and more courageous.) ~ Rayner Benjamin

Melangkah, melihat, mempelajari dan melakukan. Saya harus rela mahu dibentuk dan mempunyai keinginan untuk mahu  melayani orang lain dengan penuh kasih. (Take a step, look, learn and do. I am willing to be formed and have the desire to serve others with love.) ~ Joehbeey Majimin

I have come to realize and understand what ‘vocation’ means. Indeed there is a need for more “frontliners” for the church, especially the priests. Let us not stop praying for the priests and the religious for their role as “frontliners”.  To the youth: if you feel called to the priesthood and religious life, don’t be afraid to say “yes” so as to serve others for the glory of the Lord.  ~ Cassey Julian

The seminar has made the vocation calling, the process of becoming a priest, and the lifestyle of priesthood clearer. They were presented in detail and all the questions and doubts have been answered well in the Q&A session. ~ Jerold Juanis

I am proud to be one of the participants to join the first-ever virtual vocation seminar and retreat. It must be quite different from the face-to-face meeting, but as long we are passionate about vocation, whether it is via virtual or face-to-face, everything will turn out well. ~ Aaron Ryandell

I experienced the unconditional love of God for me during the retreat, which has touched my heart, opened my eyes, and ears to listen, to feel and to seek more about the God’s call for my life. ~ Aureus Edmilson

The seminar cum retreat has helped me to widen my perspective on the daily lives of the seminarians. ~ Cleve Ryan

The words ‘Don’t be afraid for I am with you’ have opened my heart to say ‘yes’ to serve Jesus and the community because God’s plan is beautiful and is a joy if we trust and believe in him. ~ Rayner Raphael

I have come with no expectations but to listen and to experience what is being presented to me, not knowing how my heart would be overwhelmed and stirred by God. – Rex Yohanes--Catholic Sabah